Aquascaping or aquaristics? Or is this maybe even the same? Today we would like to take up a question from a user, because there is always the question what exactly is the difference between conventional aquaristics and that Aquascaping means. A few years ago, the term aquascaping was not known in Germany, but today aquascaping is finding more and more followers. Conventional aquarists also enjoy aquascaping. But what is it all about and what is the art of designing special and individual underwater worlds?
What is meant by aquascaping? What is Aquascaping?
First we want to explain the term in more detail before we later come to the well-known aquascapers in Germany and the world. We also link some Furnishing examples. These great Pictures could also be your suggestions to try such a work of art yourself. The term aquascaping is an art term which is made up of aqua, i.e. water, and scape as landscape.
Aquascaping is basically the art of creating an underwater landscape. This is not about the use of ornamental fish, but rather about creating an underwater world that is detailed and special. Aquascaping could also be described as a type of pure plant tank, although this alone does not reflect the exact meaning. Aquascaping is much more than just caring for and keeping aquatic plants. One can speak of art, because every aquarium is a work of art in itself.
The artists usually get their ideas and inspiration from nature and then reproduce them as realistically as possible. Many also talk about aquarium designers. One of the most famous in the world is Takashi Amano (Has nothing to do with the shrimp). He revolutionized aquascaping and also brought it to us in Germany. The number of followers is growing all the time.
The different ideas for designing such an aquarium are quite diverse. As far as the furnishings are concerned, they are made of a wide variety of rock types, or of course those of the special aquatic plants. The difficulty is not only the unique setup, but much more the maintenance of these works of art in aquascaping.
So let's recap briefly. Most aquascapers get their inspiration from nature. Be it Mountain landscapes, jungle scenes, forest clearings and much more.
Plant aquarium or hardscape
Anyone who now thinks that purely plant aquariums have been around for a long time is basically right. Aquascaping differs here mainly by being hardscape. Here, the design is further multifaceted with hard objects. Especially roots and Stones play a special role here. These items are then also with mosses or other Aquatic plantsas java moss or also distantly further developed and partly also left overgrown. This creates a further particularly aesthetic impression for the viewer.
Who are well-known aquascapers?
Of course, we also want to list some well-known aquascaping aquarists, so that you can get inspiration for your first aquascaping project from their works. Above all, the Japanese designer Takashi Amano should be mentioned here. He is considered the father of aquascaping. In the meantime he has even launched his own range of products. His products can be found under the name ADA (Aqua Design Amano). Many workshops, countless performances, interviews and also YouTube videos can be watched by Takashi Amano. Attached is a video to give you an idea:
As you can see in this video, aquascaping is usually associated with a nano aquarium, but it doesn't have to be. Huge aquariums can also be associated with aquascaping. In addition, there is also some permission for the collection of ornamental fish.
Oliver Knott is best known among the German aquascaping designers. But others like Aram Schneider or Jurijs Jutjajevs should also be familiar here. Again and again there are a lot of contests and competitions where the scene meets and competes against each other. A jury then awards prizes to the best designs.
Setup examples for aquascaping aquariums
Of course, many questions will now arise as to where you can get inspiration for your first aquascaping project. Basically, nature is probably the best inspiration here. Nevertheless, you should look at other already finished aquascaping aquariums. As always, there are a few ways to do this. Surely one of the best option is here Pinterest the “social network for pictures”. Instagram can also be mentioned here. Another good exchange can also be found on the German-speaking aquascaping group on Facebook. In addition, the well-known aquascapers also offer various YouTube channels on their homepages. There, too, you can get plenty of furnishing examples for suggestions. We've added the links below for you. As always, this is just an excerpt and certainly not complete. But it should be enough for the first inspiration.
Here are some links for suggestions:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/926147297396740/
https://www.pinterest.de/search/pins/?q=aquascaping&rs=typed&term_meta[]=aquascaping%7Ctyped
https://www.pinterest.de/nicki1965/aquascape-ideas/
Finally, a video with lots of suggestions and information.